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Monterey County sheriff's agricultural crimes unit details rising equipment, copper and fuel theft
Summary
Detective Mark La of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office said the agricultural crimes unit investigates thefts of high-value equipment, copper wire and fuel, and urged operators to use cameras, fencing and trackers. He cited a recent recovery of about $300,000 in stolen equipment.
Detective Mark La of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office said the county's agricultural crimes unit investigates thefts involving produce, livestock and high-value farm equipment and is cooperating with other counties to follow stolen goods.
The unit, La said, focuses on property crimes that affect farming operations across Monterey County, an industry he described as "about four or five billion dollar industry" for the county. "A lot of the equipment...they can be anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 or more depending on what it is," he said, and cited a recent investigation that recovered roughly $300,000 in stolen machinery.
Why it matters: Monterey County's agricultural economy depends on expensive, sometimes difficult-to-replace machinery; losses of large tractors or specialized equipment can impose major financial strain on farms and ranches and disrupt operations.
La said thieves commonly take tractors, trailers, generators and even portable bathroom facilities, and that large items are often moved on trailers to other counties. "We continue to investigate crimes even outside of Monterey County," he said, noting cooperation with a statewide crime-prevention task force. He also reported arrests in recent fuel-theft cases tied to remote farm fuel tanks.
How farmers can reduce risk: La recommended fenced, enclosed yards where possible; fixed security cameras or cellular trail cameras that transmit footage; and GPS trackers on equipment that is easily moved. "At best case if they can put it in an enclosed yard which is fenced off... that's best case," he said.
Contact and next steps: Operators who suspect a theft should contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and ask to speak with an agricultural-crimes detective. La said the unit maintains regular contact with growers through Farm Bureau meetings and can prioritize investigations where evidence and reporting support follow-up.
The sheriff's office did not announce new legislation or a formal policy change during the briefing; it emphasized ongoing multi-county coordination and investigative priorities.
